During a meeting on the sidelines of the 40th session of the World Heritage Committee, Dr. Hayat said that Kuwait's initiative to donate USD 100,000 to repair damages in Arab heritage sites in Iraq, Syria, and Libya was part of the GCC state's firm belief that culture played an important role in developing ties amongst peoples.

The official lauded UNESCO's continuous efforts to promote heritage sites worldwide, affirming that the organization's support of cultural research and studies was another point of admiration.

Cooperation between UNESCO and Kuwait to preserve Arab heritage and culture is a task of utmost importance, said the Kuwaiti official who affirmed that his country will further develop ties with the international organization within this domain.

On her part, Director of UNESCO's World Heritage Center Mechtild Rossler lauded the Kuwaiti initiative, noting that it was one of its kind on the Arab level. Similarly, representatives from the UNESCO center, Kuwait National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL), and other Arab officials commended the Kuwaiti initiative, saying it will contribute to the development of Arab culture and heritage.